Definition: And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 9:15. It’s a pretty intense and symbolic verse, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simple terms: “And the four angels were released, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.” Let’s unpack each part: "The four angels..." : This refers to a group of four specific angels who were given a special task. "...were released..." : This means they were freed from their previous duties or assignments. Think of them as being let out of a prison. "...which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year..." : This describes a long period of time – a significant amount of time. It’s not just a few days; it's a long time. It suggests this is a battle that will last a considerable amount of time. "...for to slay the third part of men." : This is the core of the verse. The angels were specifically tasked with actively eliminating a significant portion of humanity – the third part. What does this all mean in a broader context? This is often interpreted as a prophecy about the end times, particularly concerning the rise of wickedness and rebellion. Here’s what it's commonly understood to signify: A Time of Great Suffering: The verse speaks of a time when people will be significantly troubled and suffering. The Rise of Evil: It suggests that human sin and rebellion will lead to a growing darkness and misery. A Final Judgment: It’s often seen as a premonition of a final judgment or reckoning, where God will judge humanity. Important Note: The interpretation of this verse is complex and debated among theologians and biblical scholars. It's not meant to be taken literally in the sense of a straightforward prediction of a specific event. Instead, it’s a powerful symbol representing an ongoing battle between good and evil. Resources for Further Understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Revelation](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Revelation) - This website offers different translations and explanations of the passage. The Bible Project: [https://thebibletproject.com/Revelation-9-15/](https://thebibletproject.com/Revelation-9-15/) – This resource provides a clear and accessible explanation of the verse's meaning. --- Do you want to explore any particular aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: What does "third part" mean specifically? How does this relate to other prophecies in the Bible?